5 minute read
Fighting Like a Superhero
by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Amanda Paul’s social media page
Imagine someone asking a mother how her cancer-stricken daughter is doing, and the first thing she says is “fabulous!” Isn’t it strange? “It feels weird to be cheerful about it, but it’s hard not to be positive when that powerful energy is around you,” says Jennifer, a former journalist at Fox News Channel whose daughter has been going through cancer treatment for the last few months. “I’m not saying she doesn’t have a bad day here and there, but now that her lymphoma symptoms are gone, she’s living her best life!”
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That’s the story of Amanda, a 17-year-old Flower Mound girl who is fighting cancer like a superhero!
Amanda developed some discomfort in her body in March. Starting from itchy skin, when it just did not stop, the family sought medical help. The body continued showing multiple signs. It was June 10th, and almost three months since her symptoms started, Amanda was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
“When we first heard the news, I felt like the whole world dropped out from under us. I cried a lot. I was crying, and Amanda put her arm around me and told me it would be okay,” Jennifer shared. “It was that moment I saw her inner strength, and I was just amazed by her reaction.”
It’s an emotional phase for a mom to watch her daughter go through all of this. Still, as Jennifer says, Amanda’s positive attitude is contagious, and it makes this whole process easier on her and everyone who knows her.
“Words cannot express the pride and admiration of how my daughter has attacked this situation. When we received the cancer diagnosis, we tailored our reaction and support to Amanda’s reaction to the situation. She immediately was ready to start treatment, fight this disease, and move towards a cure to continue with her life,” dad Rob mentioned.
Jennifer added “The doctor called and told me the news. I told Amanda, and she
said, ‘I already knew that.’ No tears. She had diagnosed herself a few weeks before with that exact cancer after reading many blogs and WebMD,” Jennifer explained.
Amanda is a wonderful girl who has this inexplicable courage to convert her pain into power. She was committed to the fact that she’s a strong girl and she can beat cancer.
“I can smile because I know how far I’ve come, and I’m trying to live the best life I can under the circumstances,” she said. “Focusing on helping others also keeps me motivated and smiling.”
About a month into her treatment, she realized that many families out there cannot afford diseases like cancer. She discovered the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and signed up for the Light the Night Walk with an aggressive goal of raising $25,000 by November. She did this all without the prodding of her parents. Lymphoma Society has contacted Amanda through social media and thanked her for her contribution.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. Reports say an estimated 8,830 new cases are expected in the U.S. in 2021. September is Lymphoma Awareness Month and also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. So, there couldn’t be a better month to tell the world the story of Amanda!
This Flower Mound High School senior who plans to go to college and be a pediatric nurse has not only the town but the entire country standing by her side. On a Facebook group named Team Amanda, you’ll see hundreds of people from all over the nation wearing purple wristbands that say “Team Amanda - Fight Like A Queen.” People are sending love, wishes, and prayers to her.
“Our circle of friends, immediate community, LISD, and the Town of Flower
Mound have come forward in a way I was not prepared for. Meal trains, gifts, well wishes, offers of help, sharing personal cancer stories, and a re-connection to old friends have kept us positive and reinforced the idea that we are all in this world together, Rob shared. “There are many people quietly dealing with cancer. Amanda’s willingness to share her journey and put herself out there should help to teach and educate the entire community about this disease and other struggles we may not know our neighbors are dealing with.”
Talking about her new life, Amanda said, “I’ve learned to stop taking life for granted and that you only live once. No matter how cheesy it sounds, it’s very true. I’ve become a more outgoing person because of cancer.”
As a famous saying by Tim Fargo goes, “Don’t let pain define you; let it refine you,” That’s who Amanda is! Her parents say that she was brave before, and she is braver now. Let’s support Team Amanda for the Light the Night Walk and extend help to make this world a little better for people having cancer. To support Amanda, visit: https://
pages.lls.org/ltn/ntx/DallasL21/APaul
Last but not least, Amanda’s message to our readers: “Don’t be afraid to do things you’re scared of. It’s such an amazing feeling to do things you love while going outside of your comfort zone. Life can change instantly, so don’t put things off; live the best life you can, NOW. That’s what I am doing.”
